Summit County needs no introduction, and while Keystone might not be quite as well known as resorts like Breckenridge and Vail itself, it comes with a charm all of its own. It’s just an hour and a half from Denver, and has a range of facilities including the largest night skiing area in Colorado.
Skiing in Keystone
Keystone may not have the huge open bowls or Breckenridge and Vail, but it does have a real sense of being surrounded by nature. It also has some of the best beginner runs in the area, a superb terrain park and top class nordic skiing, so whatever your family members are into, there’s something to appeal.
Ski Facts
- Set over three peaks - Decrum, North Peak and Outback
- Highest peak is Decrum at 11640 ft.
- 24 lifts
- 2227 acres of terrain
- Superb family ski trail and beginners run, including Schoolmarm
- Deep powder runs and superb tree skiing can be found on Outback
- North Peak offers more challenging terrain
- Home to A51 Terrain Park with 60 acres of boxes, jumps, rails and halfpipes
- Largest night skiing area in Colorado - open until 8pm in high season
Keystone is a great place for beginners and those with younger skiers, but there’s enough scope for more challenging runs to make this a worthwhile investment for a longer term vacation home. This variety means it’s a great spot for those seeking to enter the rental market too, and the family friendly feel means a strong niche appeal to a growing market.
A town with an alpine feel
Part of the charm of Keystone resort is that it’s a collection of smaller zones, each with a distinct character. These zones each offer something different in terms of atmosphere and vibe but because they’re linked by an efficient shuttle bus system you’re never too far from the action. You can choose whether you want a space that will be a perfect pad for a weekend getaway, or something with more of a retreat type vibe, that’s ideal for longer stays.
The hub of Keystone Resort is River Run Village. It’s a pretty place, designed to have a real alpine feel (think pitched roofs and wooden cladding) and does a great job of being the centre of the resort. Owning a property in River Run Village means being close to the lifts, as well as the bar restaurants and other activities on offer - including a spectacular firework display every high season Saturday. If you’re looking for a rental condo, or an easy vacation base, River Run is hard to beat.
What about the other areas of Keystone?
A mile east of River Run lies East Keystone. This is a peaceful spot, hidden in the blue spruce and lodge pole pines and with superb views of the mountains. It’s a perfect spot for a family vacation home with a real sense of retreat. If that sounds a little too quiet, then a home in Mountain House is a good alternative. This spot is great for anyone looking for a chilled out base, but with a few more amenities to hand than in places like East Keystone. Mountain House was once the base of Keystone and so there is still a good clutch of restaurants and shops here, all set with views of Snake River.
One of the loveliest all year round spots is Lakeside Village. This area is home to festivals like the famous Taste of Keystone festival. The lake itself offers paddle boating and canoeing during the warmer months, while winter brings the big freeze and turns Keystone Lake into 5 acres of frozen fun. Keystone Conference centre is nearby too.
Keystone Ranch is home to some of the most beautiful homes in Keystone. The views from this area are especially breathtaking, and offer a sense of Colorado wilderness. You’re close to bike trails and national forest hikes, as well as some of the finest dining in the area.
What to do in Keystone that isn’t skiing
As well as a good range of runs, Keystone has a fab choice of non-ski activities that elevates it to an all season vacation spot. Winter visitors will find things like sleigh rides, ice skating, tubing and 57k of ungroomed nordic skiing to enjoy. Summer brings fishing in Snake River, mountain biking and world class golfing as well as acres of wonderful hiking terrain. All year round there are plenty of playparks and fun schemes for little ones to enjoy, and the quality outdoor offering means teens will enjoy their time here too.
As well as a host of outdoor fun, Keystone has a lively programme of festivals and events. There’s a Bacon and Bourbon Festival, Wine and Jazz Festival, and the Bluegrass and Beer Festival as well as numerous arts festivals and musical treats. The whole area is geared towards celebrating all that’s best in life, and it does so with aplomb.
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If the family friendly feel of Keystone ticks your vacation home boxes, or just sparks that investment flame, you’ll find a superb choice of properties in Keystone on SnowOnly. We’re a dedicated mountain property portal which means you’ve access to an astonishing range of mountain property, without the stress of trawling through individual websites and the worry of missing out. As well as our property alert service, our site has buyer’s guides, investment guides and scores of interesting articles to help you find and buy your dream mountain retreat.